Page 93 of The Beta Test

Jake jumps in as he pulls out my chair for me. “Thanks for ordering our food. That was very thoughtful.”

“You’re welcome,” Jenna says with a Cheshire grin.

Silverware clatters as everyone tucks into their food, conversation rising around us like nothing happened. No one seems to notice that my entire world just shifted. My emotions settle slowly—not because it doesn't matter, but because it's too big to process at a restaurant table with our parents three feet away.

Everyone except Jenna, that is. Who, I'm now realizing, has apparently been running a long con as her brother's wingwoman.

I look down at my plate. The chicken parmesan smell hits me and the hunger I'd been white-knuckling through roars back to life. Before I take a bite, I wave my phone at Jenna with my eyebrows raised. She catches my meaning immediately and fires back a response.

Me: Why do I get the feeling you’ve known about this for a while?

Jenna: Known Jake’s in love with you? Avery, everyone has known that forever.

Jenna: I was a little weirded out at first, but why wouldn’t I want my best friend to be my sister too?

I shoot Jenna an exasperated look. First of all, everyone has not known forever—that's a wild exaggeration and I reserve the right to dispute it. Second, we kissed approximately twelve minutes ago and she's already planning our wedding. She widens her eyes and shrugs like she's simply reporting facts that exist independently of her opinions.

My phone buzzes again and I glance down in confusion—Jenna's eyes are still locked on mine, so she definitely wasn't the one typing.

Jake: Jenna helped me find the hoodie. A good pi hoodie is surprisingly hard to find.

I gasp. Jenna and I were texting in the group text she’d started earlier! For what feels like the millionth time today, a blush explodes on my skin. Jake saw the texts about kissing! Ugh.

A quick glance at Jenna reveals she’s been sucked into a conversation with her parents. With a deep breath, I pull my napkin into my lap with slightly shaky hands. Again. This day has been one long rollercoaster.

Jake’s hand lightly massages the back of my neck, then he pulls it away to grab his phone and tap out something. My phone buzzes again. Reluctantly, I pick it up and am relieved to see the message from Jake is in our private chat, not the one with Jenna.

Jake: For the record, I’m a big fan of *kissy face emoji* with you.

My lips twist in amusement and I glance at him. The dimple I love so much shines at me.

Jake: Don’t be mad at Jenna. I asked her not to tell you.

Jenna laughs at something her mom says and my heart warms. I know she loves me and what Jake said makes sense. Besides, even though this year has ended in a different way than I could have imagined, I’m happy.

Me: Can I tell you a secret?

Jake: You can tell me anything.

Me: I wanted it to be you. So badly.

The sound of our families fades away. Our eyes connect. Jake’s hand slips into my lap, interlacing his fingers with mine, a grip that's firm and sure, yet still gentle. Our future path is unclear, but if I've learned one thing this year—that’s ok.

Jake lifts our hands and plants one sweet kiss on the back of my hand.

Epilogue

“I still can’t believe you picked that outfit. Princess Buttercup is so weak. She’s the epitome of a woman sitting around, waiting for a man to rescue her.”

I unroll another hair curler and set it on the desk.

“Analiese, not every woman shows her strength through fighting or snark. Internal conviction and fortitude are another very valid form of strength. Buttercup was faithful in her love for Westley, and I respect that.”

I remove the last roller and work my fingers through the curls. The silver crown that accompanies the Princess Buttercup wedding dress costume I’m wearing sits nearby, ready to be the finishing touch for my costume after I prep my hair.

“Besides,” I add, “I really wanted to wear a crown.”

“And there it is,” Analiese says with a snort.